Chapter 149 - A Shift in the Winds
Since the incident with the Adventurer Guild, the Kikyo Society’s reputation—or rather, its infamy—has soared. Whether the details are true or not, the fact remains that we defeated a powerful guild, and our boldness, decisiveness, and combat prowess have earned us significant respect in certain circles.
Even among our peers, the number of people who look down on us just because we're women has decreased. Foreign journalists have even started coming to interview us. We let Margaret handle them, using their presence to our advantage for publicity before sending them on their way.
In any case, the name of our Kikyo Society has begun to resonate around the world. The most inquiries we received from outside Exembra naturally came from the Royal Capital, owing to its proximity. Though it is the capital of a fallen nation, it is still a major city known as the Royal Capital.
The Royal Capital, once left in ruins, is rapidly recovering under the leadership of the House of Oversta. At the forefront of this effort is the Countess, Rosmerta Juliana Oversta, who is tirelessly working to rebuild the city. As a friend, I have no doubt about her capabilities, and I am not surprised by the results.
The momentum of the reconstruction is so strong that it is now rivaling the rapid development of Exembra. Wherever people, goods, and money gather, a positive cycle is created, drawing more in its wake. The influx that once concentrated in Exembra is now flowing into the Royal Capital as well. Despite this, the overall volume of traffic seems to be increasing, and Exembra’s growth shows no signs of slowing.
Regardless, the true hero of the Royal Capital's reconstruction is undoubtedly Countess Rosmerta. Given her determination and the right conditions, she can accomplish anything. She even has a successful model to follow in Exembra.
I maintain a friendly correspondence with Rosmerta. With the Arena incident and all, we still have plenty of opportunities to interact. Besides, we are too valuable to each other to cut ties. Whether or not she feels the same, we are friends.
So, today, I decided to send a letter while taking a walk. I also wanted to check on Caroline, my friend who used to be a madam but is now under someone else’s care. I plan to welcome her into the Kikyo Society eventually, and Rosmerta needs to be prepared for that. I’ve been hinting at it, so she should be aware that the time is approaching.
The residents of Exembra, who once shared the same nation, seem to be buzzing with excitement over the Royal Capital’s resurgence. Perhaps a sense of belonging still lingers.
As autumn deepened and the weather grew colder, the situation began to shift dramatically.
The topic of conversation at the executive meeting was the complete revival of the Royal Capital. According to a letter delivered by a messenger from the House of Oversta, the Kingdom of Brenark is preparing to officially declare its restoration soon.
However, the letter lacked specific details. It seems the exact date hasn't been decided yet. Still, the fact that they informed us is a sign of respect to the Kikyo Society.
"What about the king? Surely, it won’t be Rosmerta’s husband, right?"
"Even as a hero, he’s just a count. Will the nobles in the provinces be satisfied?"
Indeed, the House of Oversta played a pivotal role in reclaiming the Royal Capital and initiating its reconstruction. Their achievements are unparalleled, and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to consider them the new royal family. However, the restoration of the Kingdom of Brenark is a more complex matter. If there were any surviving members of the old royal family, it might be different, but there are no such reports. Therefore, many will find it hard to accept.
In the future, decisions will need to be made regarding the surviving nobles and the treatment of their lands, as well as those who have fled or died. Exembra, too, will likely fall under the jurisdiction of this new kingdom. Preliminary discussions have probably already reached an agreement, and such important matters are not announced out of the blue.
Who will be the central figure as the new king? How will they convince everyone of the legitimacy of the new royal family?
"Has the Intelligence Unit gathered any information?"
Josephine prefaced her response with a note of uncertainty.
"There are rumors that a surviving member of the royal family will be installed. I find it hard to believe anyone survived, and the possibility of a decoy cannot be ruled out."
Hmm, that’s a tricky situation. Given Rosmerta’s resourcefulness, anything is possible. However, the fact that the royal remains were never found fueled rumors of survivors at the time.
"Even if a genuine royal has survived, how did they discover this person now? Were they hiding all this time?"
"It’s too convenient for them to come forward now."
While the truth remains unclear, Rosmerta would not hesitate to eliminate any obstacles. If she believes it’s the best course of action, she will do it.
Therefore, it would be wise for us to align ourselves with her if an opportunity arises.
"For now, let’s not worry about the Royal Capital. If Exembra joins the Kingdom of Brenark, there will be changes in taxation and administration, but it’s pointless to speculate."
"That’s true. Exembra is already more powerful than the Royal Capital, and joining the new kingdom should not put us at a disadvantage."
The executives shared numerous rumors and hearsay from various sources, including local women, merchants, and guilds, about the Royal Capital:
- The rapid reconstruction has made it a promising economic hub.
- The expansion of military forces is underway, with the hiring of mercenaries and the significant growth of the regular army.
- The Oversta family, at the center of power, is taking a firm stance against resistance in the provinces.
- The new king is reportedly a young individual, with the Oversta family holding significant influence.
- The new kingdom is actively gathering information about the collapsed neighboring nation, Retnark.
- Many in Exembra are eager to benefit from the Royal Capital’s resurgence.
- The Five Great Families are also showing interest in the Royal Capital.
These rumors, a mix of truth and fiction, highlight the stability and rapid progress under strong leadership. The Royal Capital could surpass Exembra in a few years. Exembra, for better or worse, is deeply entwined with the underworld, which often defines the city. The Royal Capital, on the other hand, will likely develop as a noble-centric society, creating a different atmosphere altogether, which could be interesting.
The Kikyo Society does not have the resources to expand into the Royal Capital. We are already busy with the development of Sixth Avenue and the Arena, as well as organizational growth. We will consider any requests from Rosmerta, but it’s unlikely she will need our help. She has already secured enough 'power.'
Today, we will also share information about other cities and nations.
"Regarding the former Kingdom of Brenark, which may soon become a new kingdom, do we have any information about other towns?"
"Our members haven’t directly verified anything, so this will all be based on rumors and hearsay."
That’s understandable. We aren’t a nationwide organization.
"Rumors are fine."
"Well, then, these are just rumors and speculations. The provincial nobles, lacking military strength, have mostly given up on resisting the Royal Capital. Many have already pledged loyalty to the new king and the House of Oversta. Meanwhile, the provincial towns, overshadowed by the rapid reconstruction of the Royal Capital and the prosperity of Exembra, are facing severe challenges. Many are eager to join the new nation to improve their situation."
I see. The Royal Capital, once a lawless and dangerous place, is now rapidly recovering. The same conditions may still persist in the provinces.
Even those who are skeptical of the new king and the Oversta family have limited options in the face of harsh realities. Showing early allegiance can improve their standing with the new powers. Nobles are often fond of power struggles, and with such significant changes, various schemes and machinations are likely underway.
Still, it’s not really our concern.
"Let’s move on to Retnark. Rumors are fine here as well."
Retnark, once an aggressor against the Kingdom of Brenark, is now a collapsed nation rife with internal strife and small factions vying for power.
"The situation there is gradually stabilizing, but it seems unlikely that any major force will emerge. Many refugees are fleeing, and they pose no threat to Exembra or the new Kingdom of Brenark."
"Hmph, after destroying Brenark, what are they doing now?"
"According to the rumors, the new Kingdom of Brenark is planning a counterattack. If that happens, the remnants of Retnark might be completely absorbed into a larger nation."
"That’s a possibility. However, the new kingdom will likely be preoccupied with internal affairs and won’t engage in war for some time."
War, I suppose. As long as it doesn’t involve us, they can do as they please. If it escalates to disrupting trade or terrorism, it would be a different story.
The rumors about Retnark are grim.
- Corrupt officials, widespread drug use, and rampant violent crimes.
- Those who can escape are fleeing to safer places.
"That’s no longer a nation. What about other countries?"
Everyone seems uninterested in Retnark. We have many refugees from Retnark in Exembra, and some of our members are from there, but hearing more negative stories isn’t helpful. We also have plenty of direct contact with those from Retnark.
"The northern neighbor, Donditch, shows no signs of movement. They have always focused on internal affairs and have shown little interest in the collapsed nations of Brenark and Retnark. However, if the new Kingdom of Brenark grows in power, the situation might change."
"Let’s move on to the south. I’ve heard some concerning rumors."
The south is a region of small subhuman nations, which usually have no territorial ambitions and are not a concern.
"What do you mean?"
Many share the same curiosity.
"Regarding the south, we have received bits of information through several guilds. The information is still uncertain, but I’ll share it. A rare mineral mine has been discovered in a small country just south of Exembra."
Josephine’s hesitation suggests the information is still unverified.
"The mine apparently produces high-purity magic minerals, primarily mithril, and possibly carbonium."
"Really? That’s quite something..."
I glance at the black overcoats we wear, made from carbonium.
Regardless of our situation, the discovery of such rare minerals will likely cause complications.
"Let me reiterate: this is not confirmed. However, this is the main point."
Josephine proceeds with the uncertain information.
"There are already disputes over the mining rights among the subhuman nations. Furthermore, given its proximity to Exembra, the Five Great Families, nobles, and even the Royal Capital might become involved."
The executives, always eager for conflict, seem less enthusiastic about this new development.
Let me make this clear.
"Even if Josephine’s information is true, the Kikyo Society will not get involved. We don’t have the resources for that."
With that, the executive meeting concluded.
The situation surrounding Exembra is constantly evolving. Focusing solely on the city could leave us vulnerable. Information gathering and sharing are essential to staying ahead.
And to handle whatever comes our way, we must become even stronger.
Through the executive meeting, we reaffirmed our resolve.